A girl performs at the function. Picture by Eastern Projections

The state-level Rabha Sangeet competition held recently among college and university students as part of cultural icon Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s birth centenary celebrations provided a batch of promising talents a platform to present their mettle.

At least, the performance by three position holders at the prize distribution function in Rabindra Bhavan on Saturday depicted so.

Lopamudra Neog, who topped the competition, came up with an absolutely stunning performance while rendering two Rabha Sangeet numbers — Lagan Ukali Gol and O Mor Ei Naawore Bharasaa Naai. Her husky voice lent greater attraction to her rendition and she showed a sound command over melody in the first number.

Malabika Kashyap, who stood second, chose two complicated numbers — Kibaa Jen Naai Aaji Naai and Joyaa Naai Joyaa Naai.

The slight vibration in her voice lent a haunting quality to her first number. Her rendition of the sensitive portions of the numbers, Mor Priyaa Naai and Bahirat Barashun Pore Dhaaraashaar, were refreshing. The second number has typical Bishnu Rabha taans and Malabika presented them effortlessly.

Shikha Bordoloi, a student of Nagaon College who secured the third position, presented two Rabha Sangeet items in a straight and simple style, in a clear contrast to the earlier singers.

Of the other performances during the programme, mention must be made of the creative dance item presented by talented classical dancer Shatarupa Chatterjee.

Her item was based on the tune-wise complex Bishnu Rabha number, Oliyaa Boliyaa Krishna Koliyaa. But Shatarupa presented it effortlessly and gracefully, incorporating some elements of Bodo folk dance, especially a few brilliant expressive mudras of Bagadumba and Bardoichikhla. Her measured facial expressions gave a flavour to her performance.

Another dance item based on Rabha Sangeet, Bishware Chande Chande, was presented by Krishna Chetri.

Nipon Goswami’s recitation of two Bishnu Rabha poems and the presentation of a few Rabha Sangeet numbers by Kamal Rashid Ahmed, Kumar Dipak Das and Bibhu Ranjan Choudhury were added attractions .